Lot details
Registration No: MYR 52L
Chassis No: 138/8257
Mot Expiry: May 2007

The 1966 launched Jensen Interceptor took its name from an earlier model of similar grand touring concept. A surpisingly striking and exceptionally elegant design, a rather more staid looking convertible had been shown under the same name at the previous year's Earls Court motor show. However the Touring designed and (initially) Vignale built all-steel body which finally made production was definitely 'a la mode' with its sexy long bonnet, aggressive twin headlamp frontage and practical wrap around glass rear hatch. Launched with a hearty 6276cc Chrysler V8 engine and standard automatic transmission (as fitted to the MK III variants of its CV-8 predecessor), there was plenty of power to back up the rakish, individual looks and the interior was finished in the best 'gentlemans club' traditions. An immediate hit with the Chelsea set, the Interceptor became the favourite car of celebrities and it seemed that you were nobody in the showbusiness world without a Interceptor - the long list of patrons included people as diverse as Eric Morecombe and Lynsey De Paul! Also available as the very advanced four wheel drive FF with an early application of anti-lock brakes, the Interceptor matured into a MK2 form in 1969 with standard power steering whilst 1971 saw the introduction of the high-performance SP. Featuring an even larger 7212cc 330 bhp Chrysler unit with triple twin-barrelled carburettors, the only give-away to the extra muscle was a louvered bonnet panel to aid cooling. Unfortunately very short lived, the SP just made it into Mark III form with revised frontal styling and dashboard before being discontinued in 1973 after only 105 had been produced. The Interceptor continued with the larger 7212cc engine as standard until the closure of the West Bromwich Jensen factory in 1976, the elegant Convertible having been added in 1974.

Finished in burgundy with a parchment leather interior, the car on offer here today is one of the very rare last of line Mark III models. Showing only 64,000 miles on the odometer, this figure being backed up with old MOTs together with a sheaf of other service documentation including original dealer booklet and service vouchers, the MOT is valid until May 2007. We are told that the carburettors have been sent to the United States for overhaul and bench set up, whilst the air conditioning has been completely rebuilt and a CD player fitted. A rare opportunity to acquire what must be one of the ultimate Jensens this car is said to be in 'excellent' condition.